MEMBER BENEFITS
One voice in Washington won’t make enough noise, but all of our voices together cannot be ignored. By joining ARA, you help us better represent your interests while giving your business a competitive advantage. Here are the main services that come with ARA membership:
ARA NAVIGATOR 360°
ARA NAVIGATOR 360° is a leadership assessment that will assess a leader's effectiveness in two ways: the level of skill the leader has and the ability to use those skills as needed. ARA partnered with NuVue Business Solutions to create this new tool built specifically for the agricultural industry. Learn more about how this assessment uses diagnostic feedback to show gaps between the leadership your organization has and the leadership your organization needs.
Experienced Public Policy Advocacy
ARA staff members leverage their combined experience in public policy advocacy, communications and issues management to educate and influence federal agencies and Congressional members on important issues affecting the ag retail industry.
DC Help Desk
The ARA DC Help Desk is the membership's direct line to answers to regulatory and legislative questions from ARA's policy team of experts. ARA members can also request support from the ARA staff when setting up meetings with representatives.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Support Service
As part of ARA's efforts to assist ARA members during the COVID-19 crisis, ARA developed a relationship with Georgetown Capital Advisors to provide much-needed support to ARA member companies seeking funding under the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).
Access to Member Resource Library
ARA members can log in through the Member Home section of the website to access the complete Member Resource Library including COVID-19 response and guidance tools, past ARA Conference presentations, community relations tips, and more.
ARA Professional Development Pathway
Set out on a clear and continuous path of learning with the ARA Professional Development Pathway that guides members to the programs that will be most beneficial at various steps of their career. By offering professional development opportunities, ARA member companies increase employee engagement and retention. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are also available for participation in some of ARA's programs.
Safety on the Road Video
Custom Application Vehicles (CAVs) have come a long way since their advent 1950’s. Today CAVs are vital tools to the success of agricultural retailers. Safety on the Road is a 32-minute training program geared to the safe operation of CAVs on roads and highways to and from the field. This professionally-produced DVD covers the basic safety issues that operators may encounter such as:
- Basic CAV safety measures
- Field entrances
- Preventing rollovers
- Overhead electric lines
- Bridge and road limits
- Crossing railroad tracks
- Nighttime operations
- Narrow roads and steep shoulders
- Navigating highway traffic
- Safely making left turns
- Sharing the roadway with others
ARA members get the best price. Place an order today for the video.
Timely Updates Sent Straight to Email Inboxes
Receive emails from ARA about important regulatory or legislative changes straight to your inbox as an ARA member. These come as Member Alerts and the Retailer Fact$ newsletter and may include contact information for representatives, if local action is needed.
Sharing Ideas Through Committee Involvement
By volunteering on an ARA Committee, Work Group, and/or Task Force, ARA members join other motivated ag professionals to directly shape industry outcomes and ARA programming.
Reduced Rates for ARA and Partnered Events
Part of being a member is attending ARA programs such as the annual Conference & Expo and other events held by industry organizations with partnerships with ARA at a reduced rate.
Networking and Building Valuable Relationships
Building valuable relationships with like-minded industry professionals is a top benefit of joining ARA. Whether it's over breakfast during the annual ARA Conference or at the bar after a workshop, ARA members get together to expand their network and discuss the latest industry trends.
Contact
Donnie Taylor, ARA Vice President of Membership and Corporate Relations
Member Testimonial
"The ARA Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In is an annual highlight for me. It showcases the key activities conducted by ARA's staff and membership including policy planning and meetings with legislators, regulators, and members of the executive branch to educate and influence their views on key issues impacting ag retail."
- 2020 ARA Board Chair Rod Wells, GROWMARK